Archives for 2018

Hundreds of millions of dollars in Harvey relief money is starting to flow from Washington, and already, Vidor officials are not happy with the city's share of one round. The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission held a public hearing Tuesday evening in Orange about spending the area's money for the Community Development Block Grant recovery under the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The area is getting $156.7 million, with $105 million designated to entities for infrastructure like roads, water lines, and sewer lines. $51.7 million is for local buyout and acquisitions … [Read more...] about Harvey Relief Money Among Cities Discussed

On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at approximately 3:51 PM the Vidor Police Department was contacted in reference to a suspicious package that had been located in the 800 block of N. Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Responding officers located the device and verified that it was a possible explosive device. At this time, Orange County ESD #1 and the Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Office was contacted. They were requested to respond to the location. The shopping center was evacuated as a precaution. Arriving agents were able to examine the device and determine that it was … [Read more...] about VPD Responds To Suspicious Package

Municipal employees in Bridge City will see a reduction in their insurance costs next fiscal year.  Dale Etheridge who serves on the committee seeking insurance for Bridge City informed the City Council Tuesday that the current provider had lowered their rates by 7 to 8 percent, and they were not the low bidder. Humana Plan Option 22 was the low bidder and was awarded the contract for medical insurance.  Blue Cross Blue Shield will provide the dental insurance for city employees and Fort Dearborn will cover the employees for life insurance.  City Manager Jerry Jones said Bridge City will … [Read more...] about BC Employees See Reduction In Insurance Costs

Employees at the Orange County Courthouse will see an increase in their insurance coverage next fiscal year.  The Commissioners Court held a workshop Tuesday to hear from the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) on the renewal of health and employees benefits for 2018-2019. Human Resources Director Lori Ardoin followed up the workshop during the regular weekly meeting with the proposals offered by TAC.  Ardoin said the health insurance coverage will be going up 8.3 percent next year.  Some good news is that dental coverage will be going down 2.5 percent for county employees.  The Court … [Read more...] about Commissioners Approve Insurance Coverage

Once again, sales tax revenues for local entities are up compared to the same time last year. The Texas Comptroller's Office has issued payments to cities, the county and a special district covering the receipts from May sales. Bridge City (1.5 percent tax): $161,615 for the month. $1.074 million for the year to date, a 33.13 percent increase. Orange (1.5 percent tax):  $421,656 for the month. $3.22 million for the year to date, a 25 percent increase. Pinehurst (1.5 percent tax):  $59,524 for the month. $418,025 for the year to date, a 14.57 percent increase. Vidor: (1.5 percent … [Read more...] about Sales Tax Still Adding Up In Orange County